Strap management system, packs and hydration systems incorporating the same

ABSTRACT

A strap management system and wearable packs containing the same. The pack includes a strap fastener configured to limit dangling of a strap relative to the rest of the pack by securing the terminal end region of the strap, such as to the strap itself or to another portion of the pack. In some embodiments, the strap fastener is connected to the terminal end, region of the strap and is configured to loop around another portion of the strap. In some embodiments, the strap is wound about the terminal end region of the strap and the strap fastener is used to secure the wound strap, such as in a spiral. In some embodiments, the strap management system is used on the body-securing straps of a pack. In some embodiments, the strap-management system is used on auxiliary straps of a pack. In some embodiments, the pack includes a hydration system.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to wearable packs, andmore particularly to strap management systems for such packs.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Backpacks that include adjustable harnesses have previously beendeveloped and utilized. Adjustable harnesses allow a pack to moreclosely fit a particular user without requiring the pack to be speciallysized for that user. They also make it easier for a user to put a packon and take a pack off. Adjustable harnesses typically include at leastone strap that is longer than necessary to fit most users. Such strapsare typically secured by a fastener that leaves an excess length of thestrap to dangle freely from the fastener. Such a dangling strap may beundesirable to a user on many levels. Dangling straps may detract fromthe aesthetic appearance of a pack, get undesirably tangled, or strikeagainst a user during use of the pack.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention provides a wearable pack with a strapmanagement system. A strap fastener is configured to limit dangling of astrap relative to the rest of the pack by securing the terminal endregion of the strap, such as to the strap itself or to another portionof the pack. In some embodiments, the strap fastener is connected to theterminal end region of the strap and is configured to loop aroundanother portion of the strap. In some embodiments, the strap is woundabout the terminal end region of the strap and the strap fastener isused to secure the wound strap, such as in a spiral. In someembodiments, the strap management system is used on the body-securingstraps of a pack. In some embodiments, the strap management system isused on auxiliary straps of a pack. In some embodiments, the pack is ahydration pack that includes a hydration system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004]FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a wearable pack with a strapmanagement system constructed according to the present invention.

[0005]FIG. 2 is a fragmentary isometric view of a hydration packconstructed according to the present invention.

[0006]FIG. 3 is a series of isometric views showing a strap fastenerbeing wound to secure the terminal end region of a strap.

[0007]FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a hydration system suitable for usewith the present invention.

[0008] FIGS. 5-10 are isometric views of other configurations andstructures for strap fasteners that may be used with strap managementsystems constructed in accordance with the present invention.

[0009]FIG. 11 is an isometric view of a hip pack constructed accordingto the present invention.

[0010]FIG. 12 is an isometric view of a messenger pack constructedaccording to the present invention.

[0011]FIG. 13 is an isometric view of showing another example of a packwith a strap management system constructed in accordance with thepresent invention.

[0012]FIG. 14 is an isometric view of a back-mounted hydration pack withstrap management systems constructed according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION AND BEST MODE OF THE INVENTION

[0013] A wearable pack is shown generally at 10 in FIG. 1. Pack 10includes a pack body 12 having a storage compartment 14 that isaccessible via at least one opening 16. The pack body may be configuredfor carrying loads of various types. For example the pack body may beadapted to carry books, papers, clothing, camping supplies, and/or otherpersonal effects.

[0014] The particular dimensions of the pack body may be selected toproperly fit users having a range of sizes and/or to accommodate varioustypes of loads. For example, the pack body may be dimensioned to have arelatively tall length in order to accommodate taller users or arelatively short length to accommodate shorter users, and of course, thespectrum of lengths in between. Similarly, the volume of compartment 14and/or other compartments may be dimensioned in order to accommodaterelatively small or large loads. Compartment 14 may be specificallysized to receive a predetermined load, such as a hydration system, awater bottle, a sleeping bag, or one or more particular items ofcamping, sporting, audiovisual, or computing equipment, etc.Alternatively, the compartment may simply define an open volume intowhich a variety of user-selected objects may be loaded. As still anotherexample, the pack body may include more than one compartment. Forexample, pack 10 is shown in dashed lines in FIG. 1 including additionalcompartments 14′ and 14″. In embodiments of pack 10 that include morethan one compartment, the pack may (but does not necessarily) includeone or more application-specific compartments, which are specificallysized to conform to and receive a particular object or objects, and oneor more general-purpose compartments, which are not specifically sizedto conform to a particular object or objects. Although not illustratedin FIG. 1, pack 10 may include a rigid frame that extends internal orexternal body 12 to provide support to and/or define the shape of thecompartment. Alternatively, the pack may be constructed without a rigidframe.

[0015] Pack 10 also includes an adjustable harness assembly 20, which isoperatively connected to pack body 12 and configured to support the packon a user's body. More particularly, the harness assembly includes oneor more strap assemblies 22 that are adapted to extend around a portionof a user's body to support the pack body thereupon. As such, the strapassemblies may be referred to as body-securing strap assemblies. By“extend around,” it is meant that the strap assemblies are configured todefine a closed loop around a portion of a user's body, with the closedloop defined either entirely by the strap assembly, or by the strapassembly in combination with other elements of the pack. For example, inFIG. 1, harness assembly 20 includes a pair of strap assemblies 22 inthe form of shoulder strap assemblies 24 and 26. Each shoulder strapassembly defines a closed loop through which a user's arm and shouldermay be inserted so that the shoulder strap assemblies secure and retainthe pack on the user's back.

[0016] Each strap assembly, such as shoulder strap assemblies 24 and 26,includes ends, or end regions, 28 and 30 that are either fixedlyconnected or releasably connected to the pack. As used herein, the term“connected” includes either direct uninterrupted attachment orconnection via an intermediate structure. For example, an end region ofa strap assembly may be connected to the pack via a hip belt, D-ring,strap loop, clip, fastener, pack extender, or other intermediatestructure. Similarly, as used herein, “fixedly connected” refers tomechanisms of securing an end region of a strap assembly to the pack ina manner that the end region may not be released or otherwise removedfrom its connection with the pack without destroying at least a portionof the strap assembly, pack, or intermediate structure that fixedlyconnects the two. In contrast, “releasably connected” refers tomechanisms for interconnecting an end region of a strap assembly withthe pack so that the end region is adapted to be repeatedly disconnectedfrom and reconnected to the pack.

[0017] Examples of mechanisms for fixedly connecting an end region of astrap assembly include sewing the end region to, or around, the pack orto a fixedly connected intermediate structure. Another example is toform the strap assembly from the same continuous length of material asthe portion of the pack to which it is fixedly connected. Examples ofmechanisms for releasably connecting an end region to the pack includebuckles, clips, knots, snaps, locks, and other releasable fasteners. Insome embodiments, strap assemblies may include a first end that isfixedly connected to the pack and a second end that is releasablyconnected to the pack. To graphically illustrate these exemplaryconstructions, strap assembly 24 is shown with ends, or end regions, 28and 30 that are fixedly connected to pack body 12, and strap assembly 26includes an end region 28 that is fixedly connected to the pack body andan end region 30 that is releasably connected to the pack body by areleasable fastener 32, such as a clip or ladder lock.

[0018] As presented in the above discussion, the strap assemblies arereferred to as including ends, or end regions. In the followingdiscussion, the term “end region” will be used, and is meant to includethe terminal end of a strap assembly, the region adjacent the terminalend of a strap assembly, or both. For example, an end region of a strapassembly may be inserted into an aperture in the pack before being sewnto the pack body. Similarly, the end region may be sewn or otherwisejoined to itself to form a loop, such as which may extend around aD-ring or other clip or fastener.

[0019] In FIG. 1, it can be seen that each of the shoulder strapassemblies 24 and 26 includes a sizing strap 34 and a sizing fastener36. Sizing strap 34 includes a first end region, such as regions 30 inFIG. 1, which is connected to the pack, such as by being fixedly orreleasably connected to the pack body or other portion of the pack.Sizing strap 34 further includes an intermediate region 38 that extendsfrom the first end region and is adapted to be engaged by sizingfastener 36 to form at least a portion of an adjustable loop 40. Asdiscussed, in the context of a body-securing strap assembly, such asshoulder straps 24 and 26, the closed loop facilitates supporting thepack body on a user's body. The sizing strap further includes an excesslength 42 that extends from the sizing fastener and terminates at aterminal end 44.

[0020] Sizing fastener 36 releasably engages intermediate region 38 ofthe sizing strap to define the length of the sizing strap that extendsbetween the first end region and the sizing fastener. This length may bereferred to as the sized length 46 of the sizing strap. It should beunderstood that this adjustable sizing of this length of the strapcorrespondingly affects the size of loop 40 and the length of excesslength 42. Sizing fastener 36 may include any suitable structure forreleasably engaging the sizing strap to define the sized and excesslengths thereof. Illustrative examples of suitable structure include aladder lock, double bar buckle, loop lock, cam buckle, or similarfastener that is configured to adjustably secure the sizing strap in aplurality of user-selectable positions. The sizing fastener may beconfigured to secure the sizing strap at a finite number of discretepositions, or alternatively at any of a continuous spectrum of positionsalong the sizing strap.

[0021] Strap assemblies 22 according to the present invention willoften, but are not required to, include a looping strap 48, whichinterconnects the pack and the sizing fastener. As with the sizingstrap, looping strap 48 may be either fixedly or releasably connected tothe body. For example, the shoulder strap assemblies shown in FIG. 1each include looping straps 48, which in the illustrated embodimentinclude padded regions 50 to cushion the engagement of a user's body bythe straps. As shown, the looping straps do not include excess lengthslike the sizing straps. In strap assemblies that do not include alooping strap, the sizing fastener is fixedly or releasably connected tothe pack without being interconnected thereto by a looping strap. Forexample, the sizing fastener may be directly connected to the pack. Asanother example, the strap assembly may include a pair of sizing straps,with each sizing strap including a first end region that is connected tothe pack and an intermediate region that is engaged by one or moresizing fasteners.

[0022] Being able to adjust the location at which the sizing strap issecured affects the overall disposition of the harness assembly,providing the pack with favorable versatility and customizableattributes. For example, in the context of a body-securing strapassembly, adjusting the sizing length affects the position and/or fit ofthe pack on a user's body. Therefore, adjusting the length of shoulderstrap assemblies will affect the relative position of the pack body on auser's back. In the context of a body-securing strap assembly thatextends around a user's waist, adjusting the sizing length affects thetightness of the loop around the user's waist and whether the loop willeven fit around the user's waist. In the context of a strap assemblythat is used to secure objects to the pack or to compress the pack,adjusting the sizing length affects the tightness of the loop around theobject compressed pack region and/or whether the loop will fit aroundthe object or the pack region.

[0023] As discussed above, in conventional, adjustable strap assemblies,the sizing strap includes an excess length that is untensioned orrestrained and free to dangle from the sizing fastener. Thisconventional structure is shown in dashed lines on shoulder strapassembly 26 for purposes of illustration. This excess length is oftenmany inches long, and as such may become tangled with other portions ofthe pack or objects external the pack. Similarly, during use, the strapmay strike a user's body or be snagged by structures or objects as theyare passed by a user wearing the pack.

[0024] In contrast to this conventional structure, strap assemblies 22according to the present invention include a strap management system 52,which is adapted to restrain, and in some embodiments, bundle the excesslength. Shoulder strap assembly 24 illustrates an example of a sizingstrap that includes a strap management system 52 according to thepresent invention. As shown, the sizing strap includes a strap fastener54, which is configured to limit the dangling of at least a portion ofexcess length 42, such as terminal end 44, relative to the rest of thepack. In other words, strap fastener 54 is adapted to bind or restrictexcess length 42 so that the length does not hang from sizing fastener36 in a free, or loose, manner. Accordingly, strap fastener 54 mayinclude any suitable structure for accomplishing this restricting of theexcess length.

[0025] An example of a suitable structure of strap fastener 54 is shownin FIG. 1 extending from terminal end 44 of the excess length ofshoulder strap assembly 24. As shown, strap fastener 54 includes a pairof members 56 and 58 that extend generally transverse from the long axisof the strap and which include connectors 60 and 62, which are adaptedto releasably connect the members together. More specifically, theconnectors are adapted to secure the members to each other as well asaround another portion of the pack, such as sized length 46 or loopingstrap 48, and/or to bundle the excess length together to a compact, orwound, configuration. For example, in FIG. 2, shoulder strap assembly 24illustrates members 56 and 58 being secured around sized length 46. Inthis configuration, the terminal end of excess length 42 is coupled tothe sized length, with the rest of the excess length being retainedagainst or near the sized length. In this configuration, the excesslength may also be described as being retained in an overlapping, or atleast substantially overlapping relationship with the sized strap. Insuch a configuration, the strap management system may be slidable alongthe length of the sized length or other portion of the pack around whichthe members extend. Alternatively, the members may be securedsufficiently tight around the sized length (or other pack portion) soresist sliding thereupon. As another example, and as shown with shoulderstrap assembly 26 in FIG. 2, the excess length may be wound around orotherwise folded against itself, with the strap fastener releasablyretaining the bundled portion of the excess length in this compactedconfiguration. The compacted, or bundled, portion of the excess lengthmay be referred to as a strap bundle 64.

[0026]FIG. 3 demonstrates an illustrative, non-exclusive, method forforming strap bundle 64 and thereby utilizing strap management system52. FIG. 3 shows strap fastener 54 of strap management system 52connected to terminal end 44 of sizing strap 34. Similar to the fastenershown in FIG. 1, strap fastener 54 includes members 56 and 58 withconnectors 60 and 62. Members 56 and 58 may be constituent portions ofthe same piece of material or alternatively may be formed from separatepieces of material. Each member is typically constructed from a flexiblematerial, such as nylon strapping, which may be freely folded. In someembodiments, one or more of the members may be constructed with a stiffmaterial and linked to core sizing strap 34 at a flexible joint thatallows the stiff connector to be hinged relative to the core.

[0027] In the illustrated embodiment, each member is orientated in agenerally perpendicular direction relative to the long axis, or length,of the sizing strap. It should be understood that the members do nothave to be disposed at exactly a right angle relative to the sizingstrap, and it is within the scope of the invention to differ the anglethe members extend outwards in some embodiments. The projectingconfiguration of strap fastener 54 may act as a stop that prevents thesizing strap from being unintentionally disengaged from sizing fastener36, such as by sliding completely through a ladder lock, thus preventingthe need to properly reengage the sizing strap with the sizing fastenerif the strap accidentally becomes disengaged.

[0028] As discussed, members 56 and 58 include connectors 60 and 62 thatare complementarily configured for releasable attachment to one another.For example, in the illustrated embodiment, one of the connectorsincludes loops of uncut pile or similar material adapted to releasablycatch hooks of the other connector. It is within the scope of theinvention that connectors 60 and 62 may have other structures. Forexample, the connectors may have complementary male and female portionsof a button, snap, or other suitable connecting mechanism. The membersare adapted to be folded in toward the portion of sizing strap 34 fromwhich they extend and fastened to one another, thus forming a closedloop, which may be used to loop around a portion of the sizing strap,including (but not limited to) strap bundle 64, looping strap 48 (whenpresent), or another portion of pack 10.

[0029] As indicated at transition arrow 66, strap fastener 54 may befolded toward sizing strap 34. As shown, the strap fastener is foldedrelative to terminal end 44 of sizing strap 34, and as such may bedescribed as folding the strap fastener about an axis that extendsperpendicular to the long axis, or length, of excess length 42 of sizingstrap 34. Each such fold effectively decreases the length of the excesslength of the sizing strap. As indicated at transition arrow 68, thesizing strap may be continually wound, which creates a spiral ofconcentric sizing strap layers wound about the terminal end of thesizing strap and the strap fastener. In such a configuration, members 56and 58 project from a central portion of the strap bundle. The excesslength of the sizing strap may be wound to any desired length, with thenumber of concentric layers of sizing strap increasing as the excesslength decreases. In particular, the sizing strap may be wound up to thepoint where the strap bundle abuts sizing fastener 36 or is sufficientlynear the sizing fastener that no further folds, or winds, may be formedbetween the strap bundle and sizing fastener 36. When the sizing strapis wound to the desired length, members 56 and 58 may be used to securethe strap bundle and prevent the unintentional unwinding thereof. Morespecifically, the members are folded toward each other so thatconnectors 60 and 62 engage each other. For example, and as indicated bytransition arrow 70, one of the members, such as member 56, is foldedonto one side of the strap bundle. Next, the other member, such asmember 58, is folded onto the first member so that the connectors engageand releasably secure the members together, as indicated by transitionarrow 72. As such, the members collectively form a closed loop thatextends from the interior of the strap bundle, loops around theconcentric layers of wound sizing strap, and closes at the connectionarea of the members on the outer perimeter of the strap bundle. Such anarrangement secures the strap bundle, so that it will not unravel untilmembers 56 and 58 are disengaged from one another.

[0030] Unlike a conventional strap with an excess length that isunsecured and thereby dangles or otherwise is free to flap or swayrelative to a sizing fastener, the strap bundle formed by strapmanagement system 52 retains the excess length in a compact, restrictedconfiguration. The wound and secured strap bundle may additionally oralternatively be described as limiting the relative amount of sizingstrap that is available to form loop 40, and therefore at leastpartially defines the size of loop 40. Because the excess length ofsizing strap 34 is wound in a spiral or other bundled configuration andthereafter secured by the strap fastener, it cannot be used to lengthenthe effective length of the sized length of the sizing strap. The spiralis typically too large to pass through the sizing fastener. Therefore,bundle 64 reliably sets the maximum amount of sizing strap that may beused in the closed loop, and prevents extra sizing strap from beingincorporated into the closed loop, as may happen if sizing fastener 36slips. Should a user desire to decrease the size of loop 40, the userstrap bundle provides a handle or grip that may be grasped and urgedaway from the sizing fastener, thereby decreasing the sized length ofsizing strap 34.

[0031] It should be understood that strap management system 52 mayrestrain the excess lengths of straps in configurations other than shownin FIG. 3. For example, and as shown by referring back to FIG. 2, thestrap management system may be used to restrain terminal end 44 ofexcess length 42 by forming a closed loop around sized length 46 of thesizing strap. As shown, the members are folded around sized length 46and thereafter releasably secured together by connectors 60 and 62. Inthis configuration, a strap bundle 64 is not formed, but the excesslength, and especially the portion of this length from which members 56and 58 extend, is restrained against or near sized length 46.

[0032]FIG. 2 also demonstrates a pack 10 that contains a hydrationsystem 80 in a compartment of the pack. As such, pack 10 may be referredto as a hydration pack, as indicated at 82 in FIG. 2. In the illustratedembodiment, hydration system 80 is received within compartment 14, whichis preferably, but is not required to be, specifically sized to receivethe hydration system. Although pack 82 may be formed with onlycompartment 14, the illustrated embodiment includes a second compartment14′, which may be a general-purpose compartment or may be specificallysized to receive another object. Hydration system 80 includes a fluidreservoir 88 that is configured to hold a volume of drink fluid. Thereservoir is received within a compartment of pack 82 and includes afluid transport tube 90 that extends from and is in fluid communicationwith the fluid reservoir so that drink fluid within the reservoir may bedrawn from the reservoir. The transport tube, which is typically anelongate, flexible tube, extends out of compartment 14 and terminates ata fluid dispensing valve, or mouthpiece, 92. Tube 90 should besufficiently long that the mouthpiece may be comfortably positioned in auser's mouth while pack 82 is supported on the user's body by harnessassembly 20. In such a configuration, the user can selectively drawdrink fluid from the reservoir that is carried in pack 82 by drawingupon the mouthpiece. As such, the user may be engaged in sportingactivities, such as hiking, biking, running, skiing, etc. and does nothave to remove a water bottle or other drink container from a carrierusing the user's hands and then further use the user's hands to drinkfrom the container and replace the container in the carrier.

[0033] An illustrative example of a hydration system 80 is shown in FIG.4. Fluid reservoir 88 defines an internal compartment or chamber 108into which drink fluid, such as water, juice, sports drinks or the likemay be stored. Reservoir 88 typically is flexible so that the volume itoccupies may decrease as the amount of fluid it contains decreases. Asshown, the reservoir includes an input port 110, through which drinkfluid may be poured into chamber 108, and a closure 112 that selectivelycloses the input port. As shown, an example of a closure in the form ofa removable cap 114 is illustrated, although any suitable structure forselectively closing the input port may be used. As also shown, thereservoir includes an exit port 116 that fluidly connects chamber 108with an end region 118 of fluid transport tube 90. End region 118 may befluidly coupled to the exit port via any suitable configuration, such asby being releasably mounted on exit port 116, fixedly or even integrallymounted on the exit port, or inserted through the exit port and intochamber 108. When a user sucks upon the other end 120 of the drink tube,the user can draw drink fluid from the reservoir.

[0034] Although end 120 of tube 90 may itself form the mouthpiece 92 forthe hydration system, hydration systems typically include a removablemouthpiece 122 that is secured to end 120. In the illustratedembodiment, mouthpiece 122 takes the form of a bite-actuated mouthpiece,which is formed from a resilient material that is normally in a closedposition, in which drink fluid cannot be dispensed through themouthpiece. However, when a user bites upon, or otherwise exertsexternal forces to the mouthpiece transverse to the direction of fluidflow, the mouthpiece is urged to a dispensing position, in which drinkfluid may be dispensed through the mouthpiece. Typically, bite-actuatedmouthpieces are biased to automatically return to the closed position,such as after a user stops biting upon the mouthpiece. The mouthpiecemay include a dispensing face with at least a pair of lips that define anormally closed opening. However, when the user bites upon the body, orbite region, of the mouthpiece the mouthpiece is urged to its dispensingposition, in which drink fluid may be drawn through the opening.

[0035] An on/off valve 126 may, but is not required to, be included in ahydration system to enable a user to selectively prevent drink fluidfrom being able to be drawn through the reservoir regardless of theconfiguration of, or the forces being applied to, the mouthpiece. Asshown, valve 126 interconnects end 120 of the transport tube andmouthpiece 122. It is within the scope of the invention that hydrationsystems that include a valve 126 may integrate the valve with themouthpiece or position the valve in-line between adjacent lengths oftube 90.

[0036] Additional examples of suitable hydration systems and componentsthereof are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,070,767 and 6,032,831, as wellas in U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 09/902,935 and 09/902,792, thecomplete disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference forall purposes.

[0037] Although illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 as extending from terminal end44 of sizing strap 34, it is within the scope of the invention that thestrap management system may extend from other portions of the sizingstrap. An example of such a configuration is shown in FIG. 5, in whichthe strap fastener extends from excess length 42 but not from terminalend 44. In the illustrated configuration, the strap fastener is stilllocated proximate the terminal end of the sizing strap and therefore maystill be described as extending from a terminal end region 130 of thesizing strap. It is within the scope of the invention, however, thatstrap fastener 54 may be located further away from terminal end 44.

[0038] As another variation within the scope of the present invention,strap fastener 54 may have other configurations than the two-memberconfiguration shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 5. For example, it is within thescope of the invention that a single member may be used that includes aconnector adapted to be releasably secured to another connector on thatmember, on excess length 42 or another portion of sizing strap 34, or onanother portion of pack 10. An example of such a configuration is shownin FIG. 6, in which strap fastener 54 includes member 132 that extendsfrom excess length 42 of sizing strap 34. Member 132 may includecomplementary connectors 60 and 62 that are configured to releasablyengage each other to secure the member in a closed loop, such as arounda strap bundle 64 (as illustrated previously with respect to FIGS. 2 and3), around the sized length of sizing strap 34 (as illustratedpreviously with respect to FIG. 2), or around another portion of pack10.

[0039] In the illustrated embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the connectors arelocated in spaced-apart locations on opposite sides of member 132. It iswithin the scope of the invention, however, that the connectors may alsobe located on the same side of the connector, such as on laterallyspaced locations on the member. As another variation, the one or moremembers of strap fastener 54 may include a connector, such as aconnector that is adapted to engage a complementary connector on sizingstrap 34, such as on excess length 42 or sized length 46, or on anotherportion of pack 10, such as pack body 12 or looping strap 48. An exampleof such a construction is shown in FIG. 7, in which member 132 includesa connector 134 that is adapted to engage a complementary connector 136on excess length 42 of sizing strap 34. It is also within the scope ofthe invention that strap management system 52 may include at least oneredundant connector. More specifically, the strap management system mayinclude at least one connector that may be releasably connected to aselected one of two or more complementary connectors. For example,system 52 may include a first connector on the same or a differentmember of strap fastener 54, and complementary connectors on the sizingstrap, on the looping strap and/or on pack body 12 so that the firstconnector may be releasably connected to any of these second connectors.

[0040] As discussed previously, strap management system 52 may utilize awide variety of connectors. Therefore, although the previouslyillustrated connectors have all utilized hook-and-loop mechanisms, it iswithin the scope of the invention that any of the previously describedand/or illustrated embodiments may include other suitable connectorsthat are adapted to be selectively connected together. Examples of othersuitable connectors include, but are not limited to, snaps, buttons,tab-and-slot mechanisms, pin-and-loop mechanisms, etc. Severalillustrative examples of other suitable connectors that may be used withstrap management systems according to the present invention are shown inFIGS. 8-10. Although illustrated in the context of a dual-member strapfastener 54, the illustrated connectors may be used with any of thestrap management systems described and/or illustrated herein. In FIG. 8,the connectors form a snap, or snapping mechanism, 140. In FIG. 9, theconnectors form a button mechanism 142, with one member including abutton 144 and the other including a buttonhole 146. In such anembodiment, more than one buttonhole may be present to provide amechanism for selectively sizing the loop formed by strap fastener 54.This is graphically illustrated in dashed lines in FIG. 9. FIG. 10demonstrates a tab-and-slot mechanism, 148, in which one member includesa projecting, typically rigid, tab 150 that is selectively passedthrough a slot 152 in the other member or on another selected locationon the pack. Similar to the optional plurality of buttonholes discussedabove, the tab-and-slot mechanism may include more than one slot, asgraphically illustrated in dashed lines in FIG. 10.

[0041] As discussed above, packs 10 according to the present inventionmay be designed to be worn on various portions of a user's body and mayinclude a harness assembly 20 having a variety of configurations.Illustrative examples of other wearable packs that may be used withstrap management systems constructed in accordance with the presentinvention are shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. FIG. 11 shows a pack 10 in theform of a hip pack 160 with a harness assembly 20 that includes a strapassembly 22 in the form of a hip belt 162 adapted to extend around auser's waist and thereby support the hip pack. As shown, the hip beltincludes a releasable buckle, or clip, 164 that releasably secures thehip belt around a user's waist. FIG. 12 shows a pack 10 in the form of amessenger pack 166 with a harness assembly 20 with a strap assembly 22in the form of a shoulder strap assembly 168 that is adapted to be worndiagonally across a user's torso. As shown, both packs further includestrap management systems 52 with strap fasteners 54 constructedaccording to the present invention. As discussed above, the strapmanagement systems may include any of the above-described and/orillustrated elements, subelements and variations. As shown in dashedlines in FIGS. 11 and 12, the packs may optionally include hydrationsystems 80, such as hydration systems that include the structuredescribed, illustrated and/or incorporated herein.

[0042] The hip and messenger packs shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 alsodemonstrate several variations that may be used with strap assembliesaccording to the present invention, including strap assemblies on packsother than those illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12. For example, in FIG.11, hip pack 160 demonstrates a strap assembly that is releasablyconnected to the pack body by releasable fasteners 170. In theillustrated embodiment, the fasteners take the form of releasable clips,but any other suitable fastener may be used. Pack 160 also provides agraphic demonstration of the fact that packs according to the presentinvention may include strap management systems that include more thanone strap fastener 54. Expressed in other words, packs according to thepresent invention may include more than one strap having an excesslength that is selectively retained or bundled by a strap fastener 54.In FIG. 11, the hip belt includes a pair of sizing straps 34, each withstrap fasteners 54 according to the present invention. Similarly, inFIG. 12, the messenger pack demonstrates a back-mounted pack thatincludes a strap assembly that includes more than one sizing strap 34and corresponding strap fasteners 54.

[0043] It is also within the scope of the invention to secure a load tothe pack or within the pack body using an adjustable strap assembly 22in accordance with the present invention. For example, the adjustablestrap assembly may be configured to secure a load to the pack, such asto the exterior of the pack or within compartment 14 of the pack body.Similar to the above discussion relating to body-securing strapassemblies, these load- or object-securing strap assemblies areadjustable and include a sizing strap that when engaged by a sizingfastener includes an excess length. Utilizing a strap management systemaccording to the present invention with these straps restrains theseexcess lengths, such as to prevent the lengths from becoming tangledwith themselves or other structure, from being snagged by passing/passedobjects and/or from unintentionally contacting or flapping against auser's body as the pack is used.

[0044] Illustrative examples of strap assemblies 22 in the form ofobject-securing strap assemblies are shown in FIG. 13 and generallyindicated at 180 and 182. As shown, the strap assemblies include asizing strap 34, a sizing fastener 36, and a strap management system 52with a strap fastener 54 according to the present invention. Asdiscussed above, it is within the scope of the invention that the strapassemblies and strap management systems may incorporate any of theelements, subelements and variations described above, such as optionallyincluding any suitable sizing fastener, strap fastener, looping strap,member or members, connectors, etc. For the purpose of illustration,object-securing strap assembly 180 includes a sizing strap that isreleasably connected to a sizing fastener 36 in the form of a ladderlock, and which is fixedly connected to the pack either directly or by alooping strap. Strap assembly 182 demonstrates an example of anobject-securing strap assembly in which the sizing strap is adjustablyconnected to a portion of a clip, to which a complementary portion isconnected to a looping strap 48. Illustrative, but by no meansexclusive, examples of objects that may be selectively carried byobject-carrying strap assemblies 180 and 182 include sleeping bags,tents, sporting equipment, towels, camping equipment, lanterns,inflatable mattresses, tools, etc.

[0045] Another illustrative example of a pack, which in the illustratedembodiment is a backpack-style hydration pack, is shown in FIG. 14 andgenerally indicated at 200. As shown, hydration pack 200 includes bothbody-securing and object-securing strap assemblies. More specifically,pack 200 includes an adjustable harness assembly 20 that includesadjustable shoulder strap assemblies 24 and 26 as well as an adjustablehip belt 142. The pack also demonstrates various another example ofadjustable object-securing strap assembly 180. As shown and generallyindicated at 202, the strap assembly is adapted to provide compressionto the pack's storage compartment 14. More specifically, the strapassembly enables a user to compress the pack's storage compartment, suchas to make reduce the overall size of the pack and/or to resist shiftingof objects within the compartment. Although illustrated in FIG. 14 as ahydration pack that includes a hydration system 80, pack 200 mayalternatively be implemented without a hydration system. Similarly, andas discussed above, pack 200 and its adjustable strap assemblies mayinclude any of the elements, subelements and variations discussed,illustrated and/or incorporated herein.

[0046] It is believed that the disclosure set forth above encompassesmultiple distinct inventions with independent utility. While each ofthese inventions hag been disclosed in its preferred form, the specificembodiments thereof as disclosed and illustrated herein are not to beconsidered in a limiting sense as numerous variations are possible. Thesubject matter of the inventions includes all novel and non-obviouscombinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features,functions and/or properties disclosed herein. Similarly, where theclaims recite “a” or “a first” element or the equivalent thereof, suchclaims should be understood to include incorporation of one or more suchelements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements.

[0047] It is believed that the following claims particularly point outcertain combinations and subcombinations that are directed to one of thedisclosed inventions and are novel and non-obvious. Inventions embodiedin other combinations and subcombinations of features, functions,elements and/or properties may be claimed through amendment of thepresent claims or presentation of new claims in this or a relatedapplication. Such amended or new claims, whether they are directed to adifferent invention or directed to the same invention, whetherdifferent, broader, narrower or equal in scope to the original claims,are also regarded as included within the subject matter of theinventions of the present disclosure.

I claim:
 1. A wearable pack, comprising: a pack body having acompartment that is accessible via at least one opening; and anadjustable harness assembly operatively connected to the pack body andconfigured to support the pack body on a user's body, wherein theadjustable harness assembly comprises: a looping strap connected to thepack body; a sizing strap connected to the pack body and extending alength to a terminal end; a sizing fastener connected to the loopingstrap and adapted to adjustably secure the sizing strap in one of aplurality of selectable positions along the length of the sizing strapand thereby form a closed loop with the looping strap, the sizing strap,and the pack body; wherein the sizing strap is secured by the sizingfastener at a position other than at the terminal end, the sizing strapincludes a sized length extending between the pack body and the sizingfastener and an excess length extending from the sizing fastener to theterminal end; and a strap management system adapted to retain the excesslength, wherein the strap management system includes a strap fastenerwith first and second members extending from the excess length of thesizing strap and including connectors complementarily configured forreleasable attachment to one another, and wherein the first and secondmembers are configured to collectively loop around at least a portion ofthe sizing strap.
 2. The pack of claim 1, wherein the excess length isadapted to be folded upon itself to form a strap bundle and the firstand second members of the strap fastener are configured to collectivelyloop around at least a portion of the strap bundle to retain the strapbundle in a folded configuration.
 3. The pack of claim 2, wherein thestrap bundle is wound around the terminal end of the excess length. 4.The pack of claim 2, wherein the strap fastener is adapted to retain thestrap bundle proximate the sizing fastener.
 5. The pack of claim 2,wherein the strap bundle restricts relative lengthening of the sizedlength of the sizing strap.
 6. The pack of claim 1, wherein the firstand second members of the strap fastener are configured to collectivelyloop around a portion of the sized length of the sizing strap to retainat least a portion of the excess length proximate the sized length. 7.The pack of claim 1, wherein the looping strap, sizing strap, sizingfastener, and strap fastener form at least a portion of a shoulder strapassembly of the harness assembly, wherein the shoulder strap assembly isadapted to support the pack body on a user's back.
 8. The pack of claim1, wherein the looping strap, sizing strap, sizing fastener, and strapfastener form at least a portion of a hip belt of the harness assembly,wherein the hip belt is adapted to extend around a user's waist tosupport the pack body proximate the user's waist.
 9. The pack of claim1, wherein the pack further comprises a hydration system including afluid reservoir dimensioned for transport in the compartment of the packbody, an elongate fluid transport tube extending from the fluidreservoir, and a fluid dispensing valve mounted on a distal end of thefluid transport tube and adapted to be placed in a user's mouth so thatthe user may draw drink fluid from the reservoir when the reservoir isstowed in the compartment.
 10. A hydration pack, comprising: a fluidreservoir configured to hold a volume of drink fluid; a fluid transporttube extending from and in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir;a fluid dispensing valve operatively connected to the fluid transporttube and configured to selectively allow fluid to be dispensed from thefluid reservoir through the fluid transport tube; a pack body having acompartment configured to hold the fluid reservoir; and an adjustableharness assembly operatively connected to the pack body, wherein theadjustable harness assembly comprises: left and right sizing strapsrespectively connected to the pack body, wherein each sizing strapincludes a length with a terminal end, wherein each sizing strap isadapted to be releasably engaged along its length by a sizing fastenerto form at least a portion of a loop that is adapted to be receivedaround a portion of a user's body to support the pack thereupon; andleft and right strap fasteners respectively connected to the terminalends of the left and right sizing straps, each strap fastener configuredto secure the terminal end of its connected sizing strap relative to therest of the pack.
 11. The hydration pack of claim 10, wherein each strapfastener is configured to secure a portion of its sizing strap in aspiral wound about the terminal end of its sizing strap.
 12. Thehydration pack of claim 10, wherein each strap fastener is configured tosecure the terminal end of its sizing strap to another portion of itssizing strap.
 13. The hydration pack of claim 12, wherein each strapfastener is configured to secure the terminal end of its sizing strap toa portion of the sizing strap between the terminal end and the sizingfastener.
 14. The hydration pack of claim 12, wherein each strapfastener is configured to secure the terminal end of its sizing strap toa portion of the sizing strap between the sizing fastener and the packbody.
 15. The hydration pack of claim 10, wherein each strap fastenerincludes a member orientated perpendicular to its sizing strap, andwherein the member is configured to form a releasable loop dimensionedto wrap around a portion of sizing strap.
 16. The hydration pack ofclaim 15, wherein the member perpendicularly extends from one side ofthe sizing strap to form an L configuration.
 17. The hydration pack ofclaim 15, wherein the releasable loop is dimensioned to wrap around aportion of the sizing strap that is wound into a spiral about theterminal end of the sizing strap.
 18. The hydration pack of claim 15,wherein the member includes at least one connector complementarilyconfigured to releasably retain the member in a closed loop.
 19. Thehydration pack of claim 15, wherein the harness assembly includes aconnector and the member includes at least one complementary connectorthat is adapted to releasably connect to the connector on the harnessassembly.
 20. The hydration pack of claim 10, wherein the strap fastenerincludes a pair of members extending from the sizing strap, and whereinthe members include connectors that are complementary configured to forma releasable loop around a portion of the sizing strap.
 21. Thehydration pack of claim 20, wherein each member perpendicularly extendsfrom opposing sides of the sizing strap to form a T configuration.
 22. Awearable pack, comprising: a pack body having a compartment that isaccessible via at least one opening; and an adjustable strap assemblyoperatively connected to the pack body, wherein the adjustable strapassembly comprises: a sizing strap connected to the pack body and havinga length extending to a terminal end region with a terminal end; asizing fastener adapted to releasably engage the sizing strap in aselected one of a plurality of user-selectable positions along thelength of the sizing strap to define a sized length of the sizing strap,which extends from the sizing fastener to the pack body, and an excesslength, which extends from the sizing fastener distal the sized lengthand includes the terminal end; and a strap fastener located at theterminal end region of the sizing strap, wherein the strap fastener isconfigured to limit dangling of the terminal end region of the sizingstrap relative to the rest of the pack by securing the terminal endregion of the sizing strap proximate at least one of the strap fastenerand a portion of the sizing strap extending between the sizing strap andthe pack body.
 23. The pack of claim 22, wherein the excess length isadapted to be folded upon itself to form a strap bundle and the strapfastener is configured to collectively loop around at least a portion ofthe strap bundle to retain the strap bundle in a folded configuration.24. The pack of claim 23, wherein the strap fastener includes at leastone member that is orientated generally perpendicular to the sizingstrap and configured to form a releasable loop dimensioned to wraparound the strap bundle.
 25. The pack of claim 24, wherein the strapbundle is wound around the terminal end of the sizing strap.
 26. Thepack of claim 22, wherein the strap fastener includes first and secondmembers extending perpendicular to the sizing strap, wherein the firstand second members are complementarily configured for releasableattachment to one another.
 27. The pack of claim 26, wherein the firstmember includes a plurality of hooks and the second member includes aplurality of loops configured to releasably fasten to the hooks.
 28. Thepack of claim 22, wherein the sizing strap forms at least a portion of abody-securing strap assembly that is adapted to secure the pack on auser's body.
 29. The pack of claim 22, wherein the sizing strap forms atleast a portion of an object-securing strap assembly that is adapted toextend around an object to be transported to releasably secure theobject to the pack.
 30. The pack of claim 22, wherein the pack furthercomprises a hydration system including a fluid reservoir dimensioned fortransport in the compartment of the pack body, a fluid transport tubeextending from the fluid reservoir, and a fluid dispensing valve mountedon a distal end of the fluid transport tube.